Waupun hit hard, again

Jun. 13, 2008 11:28 AM

Written by

The Reporter

WAUPUN — For Waupun residents, flooding seems to be a bad movie that keeps replaying over and over again.

Just when basements started to dry out and the Rock River receded into its banks, a wave of drenching thunderstorms pummeled the city Thursday night, dropping over 5 inches of rain and forcing residents along the Rock River to evacuate their homes and seek shelter with relatives or at the high school.

“When it flooded in 2004 it was bad. A week ago it was bad. This is even worse,” said Waupun Emergency Government Director and Fire Chief Jeff Berry.

Earlier this week the Rock River crested at 8.26 feet, setting a record. Just five days later the Rock River has risen to 10.06 feet over flood stage and is still climbing.

In between thunderstorms, firefighters were flooded with calls from residents requesting gas shut-offs and help evacuating their flooded homes. Berry said the Red Cross has set up a shelter in the high school and will continue to serve residents as long as they need assistance.

At flooded intersections, utilities crews set up portable pumps, trying to draw down the sanitary sewer system in hope of creating capacity in the system for homeowners to lower water levels in their basements.

“It’s just a matter of time before the water goes down, but right now it’s all a waiting game,” Berry said.

A press conference will be held at noon at city hall to address how the city is coping with the flooding and what services will be available to residents. Those wishing to report flood damage in their homes should call the Emergency Government Centers in the respective county they reside in.

For Dodge County residents, call 386-4060 or visit the web site at www.co.dodge.wi.us for a damage form. Fond du Lac County residents should call 929-2911 to file a damage report.